South Korea is considered the beauty capital of the world and for good reason. As one of the leading innovators of beauty and skin care, the country has earned a reputation for introducing some of the most effective products today like Cosrx. All of which have inspired western markets to create their own versions.
Another trend that the country is known for is its infamous 10-step routine which includes products and steps that bring out your skin’s natural radiance. Before adopting this lifestyle to your daily and weekly routine, it helps to do the following steps first:
- Determine your skin type. Identifying your skin type helps you narrow your options when shopping for products. You should either have oily, normal, combination, or sensitive skin type which can be determined by using oil-blotting sheets.
- Talk with your dermatologist. If you have sensitive skin, it helps to schedule an appointment with an expert before trying a new skin product. This helps eliminate the potential risks that may affect your skin’s overall health.
Once you finished these steps, you can then proceed to familiarize with key Korean skin care products.
Here are some of the items you need to learn in order to get the right kind of care:
- Oil cleanse
Applying makeup removers and oil cleansers are considered the first step in the Korean skincare routine. These products are specifically formulated to help breakdown makeup, dirt molecules, and other forms of pollution accumulated during the day.
- Water-based cleanser
Following the oil cleanse is a water-based cleanser which contains specific ingredients that nourish the skin depending on your skin type. These cleansers help purify your skin from the inside out while also removing any dirt that may clog your pores.
- Exfoliate
As the skin undergoes through a cycle of renewal, dead skin cells often accumulate on the surface which can lead to constant breakouts. To avoid this from happening, users should exfoliate their skin once a week to reveal brighter and smoother skin.
- Toner
After patting your skin dry, moisten a cotton pad with toner which serves to remove any leftover residue from your cleansers. Toners also help restore the normal pH levels of your skin, making it an ideal base for additional products to follow.
- Essence
Essences are lightweight concentrated ingredients that possess hydrating properties. Since many of these products include potent properties, users only need to use a small amount on their face during use.
- Treatments
These include serums, boosters, and ampoules that target specific skin care problems like acne-treatment, anti-aging and dull skin areas.
- Sheet Masks
Weekly sheet masks provide added nutrients that your skin needs to revitalize itself from the inside out. Many of which include natural ingredients like fruits, creams, and natural oils that help moisturize and relax your skin.
- Eye cream
Eye creams are formulas that specifically target the delicate skin around your eyes. Many of which are used to reduce dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles that can make you look older than you actually are.
- Moisturizer
Considered as the final hydrating step, moisturizers help lock in moisture and helps keep the skin elastic which prevents them from drying out or sagging. These products also come in different ingredients and consistencies for different skin types.
- SPF protection
These products help provide your skin protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which often lead to signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and even certain types of cancers.
Why Korean skin care
What makes Korean skincare different from the rest is its emphasis on prevention which means making sure your skin stays hydrated regardless of whatever skin type you may have. While many people often see skin care as a chore, Koreans see it as a lifestyle and an investment that helps in enjoying your skin’s natural radiance longer. Skincare routines also provide the person the opportunity to relax and practice self-care. Since skincare is considered a cultural phenomenon, many companies often make it a point to make affordable but high-quality products so everyone can enjoy.
Another fact that we have to keep in mind is that not everyone is required to follow these key steps. While each step listed showcases its importance, one can still narrow the steps by using hybrid products. One example is using moisturizers with SPF which hydrates and protects your skin from sun damage. Since not everyone has the same skin type, it only makes sense that the steps listed serve as a guideline to make your own routine.
